Ever heard about pancreatic cysts? It's not hard to guess as the name itself suggests that it has something to do with cysts in the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland, that is responsible for producing enzymes that play a very crucial role in digestion. Generally, the pancreas is about 6 inches long and lies behind the stomach. There are many different conditions that can affect the pancreas but pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis are the most highlighted ones. In this blog, we have elaborated on a lesser-known condition related to the pancreas, i.e. Pancreatic cysts, with the help of leading expert specializing in pancreas transplants in India.

What is a pancreatic cyst?

Pancreatic cysts are tiny, fluid-filled pouches that develop in the pancreas. These can either be cancerous or benign. These are usually detected during imaging testing that is being carried out for some other medical condition.

Getting familiar with different types of pancreatic cysts

• There are several different types of pancreatic cells and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) happen to be the most common of these. These usually developed on the pancreatic duct, and contain digestive pancreatic enzymes in large amounts. Such cysts are usually found in people above 50 years of age. It is pertinent to note that pancreatic is containing mucin can turn out to be cancerous, hence going for regular assessments is highly advisable.
• Mucinous cystic neoplasms too contain mucin and although these are not as common as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, they can prove to be cancerous too. These usually develop on the body or tail of the pancreas and are more common in middle-aged females.
• Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms are quite different from other types of cells and are equally rare. The main point of difference comes from the fact that the components of the cyst are both solid, as well as cystic. These also hold the potential of becoming cancerous and are more common in younger females.
• Serous cystadenoma has significantly little to no mucin and their likely hood of becoming cancerous is extremely low. Such cysts are usually developed by women who are above 50 years of age.

Watching out for the symptoms

Any disease or ailment is recognized by its symptoms, however, most patients suffering from pancreatic cysts do not experience any major symptoms and these are quite rare. The most common symptoms include persistent pain in the abdomen, nausea and feeling as if you have a mass or lump in the upper abdomen.

In some cases the sis can Rapture giving rise to many severe symptoms, including unbearable abdominal cramps, accelerated heartbeat, puking up blood and falling unconsciousness. The situation is very serious and calls for the need of immediate medical intervention.

Are you at a high risk of developing a pancreatic cyst?

Anyone can develop pancreatic cysts, however, the best doctors in India suggest that there are several factors that can elevate your chances of developing the same. These include:

• Prevalence of Von Hippel-Lindau disease, which is a genetic condition involving the pancreas.
• Pancreatitis, a common condition marked by severe inflammation of the pancreas due to prematurely active digestive enzymes
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Gallstones
• Abdominal injury or trauma

Getting the right treatment

There are several different treatment modalities available for addressing pancreatic cysts. In some cases, the patient does not require any treatment irrespective of the size of the cysts. Invasive treatment options like drainage and pancreatic surgery are available for those who need proper medical intervention. Drainage is purely an endoscopic procedure in which a small needle is used to drain the cyst. Pancreatic surgery is usually recommended for patients with a large or cancerous pancreatic cyst.

If you can relate to any of the risk factors, it is important to go for regular assessments as this will help to detect pancreatic cysts in the early stage, making it very convenient to treat the same.

If you can relate to any of the risk factors, it is important to go for regular assessments as this will help to detect pancreatic cysts in the early stage, making it very convenient to treat the same.